Uttarkashi. Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan held a review meeting with district-level officials in the Collectorate Auditorium on Friday to assess the progress of development projects and public welfare programs. He instructed officials to ensure the quality-driven completion of all approved construction works within the set timeframe. During the meeting, he also launched the ‘Yojana Didi’ e-book—a digital initiative containing details of the district’s development schemes.
The Chief Secretary reviewed the physical and financial progress of the District Plan, State Finance, the 25-Point Program, and Centrally Sponsored Schemes. He directed that strict measures be taken to strengthen sanitation systems and ensure effective solid waste management at pilgrimage sites (dhams) and religious spots.
Directives to Make Roads Pothole-Free by October 15
The Chief Secretary instructed the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Public Works Department (PWD), PMGSY, and urban local bodies to complete the campaign to make roads pothole-free by October 15. He urged department heads to conduct regular field inspections and resolve pending matters promptly through inter-departmental coordination.
Expressing displeasure over slow progress in Horticulture Department schemes, polyhouse construction, and the JICA project, he directed the Chief Development Officer to ensure regular monitoring. He also called for a review of schemes under the District Sainik Welfare Department.
Initiative for Conservation of Himalayan Rivers
During the meeting, the project titled ‘Prarambh — Conservation of River, Aquatic Resources, and Biodiversity Heritage Management’ was launched under the joint auspices of the National Mission for Clean Ganga and the Uttarakhand State Clean Ganga Mission. With an estimated cost of around ₹3.26 crore, this district-level model for conserving Himalayan rivers in the Gangotri and Yamunotri regions was initiated following administrative and financial approval.
Interaction with Representatives of Organizations
Prior to the review meeting, the Chief Secretary interacted with representatives of civil society, pensioners from the armed and paramilitary forces, the Hotel Association, and various other organizations. Representatives raised issues concerning online attendance systems, waste management, road and network connectivity, equal pay for equal work in UPNL, a single-window system for Nelong-Jadung permits, and healthcare facilities.
The Chief Secretary noted that dialogue with various sections and organizations helps in understanding the actual needs and problems of the region. He assured that public interest matters would be examined per rules and appropriate action taken toward resolution.
Inspection of Smart Control Room
The Chief Secretary inspected the Smart Control Room at the district headquarters to review modern surveillance and security systems. District Magistrate Prashant Arya provided details regarding the CCTV network, real-time monitoring, and quick response mechanisms for emergencies. Prioritizing public safety and convenience, the Chief Secretary gave instructions to make the surveillance system even more effective.
Review of Initiative Connecting Women to Tourism
The Chief Secretary observed the ‘Women Hills Trek Adventure’ being run under a comprehensive tourism initiative at Ganeshpur in the Bhatwari development block. Interacting with local rural women, he learned about their experiences in tourism activities. Under this initiative, women are provided training in trekking, guiding, catering, and camp operations to link them with employment opportunities. The Chief Secretary took stock of this effort promoting women’s empowerment and local livelihoods.
The meeting was attended by District Panchayat Chairperson Ramesh Chauhan, Bhatwari Block Pramukh Mamata Panwar, Dunda Block Pramukh Rajdeep Parmar, Superintendent of Police Kamlesh Upadhyay, Chief Development Officer Jai Bharat Singh, Additional District Magistrate Mukta Mishra, alongside office bearers of various organizations and administrative officials.
